Grace Patterson students and parents craft mosaic

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CHRIS RILEY&mdash;VALLEJO TIMES-HERALD
Students touch a community mosaic in the process of being created at Grace Patterson Elementary School with the help of Sophia Othman with Moonfish Artworks in Vallejo on Thursday.

Sophia Othman watched with a smile late Thursday afternoon as several young girls ran up and inspected the new mosaic mural at Grace Patterson Elementary School.

The girls touched and pointed to their favorite sections of the mural. Some even showed off the part of the mosaic they worked on, as they danced and played in front of the mural.

Othman smiled because the girls took pride and ownership in the mural — the main reason for the creation of the colorful glass mosaic.

“It”s community built,” Othman said. “Many people have touched this project.”

Othman said that the project incorporates a marine theme, since several ocean and marine-themed murals have been painted on exterior walls throughout the school.

The mosaic stands 10 feet tall and is 14 feet across, and depicts different birds and aquatic animals in motion, while vibrant orange, blue and yellow colors catch the eye.

“It”s an attempt to get parents involved with the school,” said Belinda Lawson, ENCORE After School Program Coordinator at Patterson, about the mosaic. “We had evening events when parents and students made the individual pieces for the project.

“We want the parents and students to buy into the school and give back to the community,” Lawson added about the project that she started. “The placement of the mosaic is so when parents drop off and pick up their children, they and the children can see their work.”

Lawson said that around 80 to 90 families were involved with cutting the glass for each of the separate mosaic pieces.

She also said that a community movie-night fundraiser was held to pay Othman and bring awareness to the community about the positive impact of the school.

“I want it to teach the students that school can be a positive place,” Lawson said. “That they (the students) can come to a safe place.”

Although the mosaic is not yet complete, Lawson already has her next project — featuring the school mascot — in mind.

“I want to have each student make a single tile (of mosaic glass) to make a lion mural,” she said.

Othman, who owns her own shop, Moonfish Artworks, said that a few more days are required to complete the mosaic.

“We should be complete Saturday but we are looking for more adult help,” Othman said. “We will be here 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and need around eight adults to help finish the background.

“Even if they show up to help clean up, that would be great,” Othman added with a laugh.

While Othman packed up her car for the night, she looked at the students and smiled again.